Printed circuit board with integrated thin film battery

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to, for example, printed circuit boards having a thin film battery or other electrochemical cell between or within its layer or layers. The present invention also relates to, for example, electrochemical cells within a layer stack of a printed circuit board.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional of pending U.S. patent application Ser.No. 12/873,953 filed on Sep. 1, 2010, which claims priority toprovisional patent application No. 61/238,889, Sep. 1, 2009, entitled,“PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARD WITH INTEGRATED THIN FILM BATTERY”, which isexpressly incorporated fully herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The field of this invention is a printed circuit board containingsolid-state, thin-film secondary and primary electrochemical devices,including, for example, batteries, between and/or within its layers.

BACKGROUND

Typical electrochemical devices comprise, for example, multipleelectrically active layers such as an anode, a cathode, an electrolyte,a substrate and current collectors. Some layers, such as, for example,an anode layer comprising lithium, are comprised of materials that arevery environmentally sensitive. The substrate may, for example, not be aseparate battery element but instead may be provided by a semiconductingsurface or a conductive or insulating packaging surface of asemiconductor device or printed circuit board (PCB) to which the batteryis attached. Such batteries require an encapsulation to protect theenvironmentally sensitive material. Some schemes encapsulate thesensitive layers of electrochemical devices, such as encapsulation withgold foil. Other schemes encapsulate the device with a pouch made ofmetal and plastic, for example, that seals around the perimeter of thedevice.

The applicants' earlier filed patents and patent applications providecertain battery and encapsulation designs and techniques, including U.S.Pat. No. 6,916,679 and US Published Patent Applications US 2006/286448A1, US 2007/184345 A1, US 2007/202395 A1, US 2007/264564 A1, US2008/261107 A1, US 2008/0286651, and U.S. Patent App Ser. No.61/179,953, which are herein incorporated by reference in theirentirety. These patents and applications provide, for example, types ofbatteries that, when incorporated with a printed circuit board, mayprovide a benefit.

Space on the surface of a printed circuit board (PCB), rigid orflexible, is very limited and is thus at a premium. Therefore, there isa need to incorporate electrochemical cells, such as batteries, with thedesign of PCBs more efficiently, to save and better utilize the PCBsurface space.

SUMMARY

The various embodiments of the present invention improve upon the priorart and other various art by improving the practicality of implementinga combined electrochemical cell, such as a thin film battery, incombination with products such as a semiconductor device or a PCB. Incertain exemplary embodiments of the present invention a fullyencapsulated and preferably heat, pressure and moisture resilient cellmay be incorporated within a PCB. The PCB and cell may be integrated toallow the cell to withstand the stressful environments in which it maybe exposed during PCB fabrication. Various embodiments provide internaland/or external access to the cell via gaps, voids, pockets, spaces orother designs.

In certain exemplary embodiments of the present invention,electrochemical devices may be incorporated into PCBs or semiconductordevices in their fully encapsulated state. However, the integration ofan electrochemical device into a PCB protects the electrochemical deviceagainst physically, chemically, and biologically harmful environments.Furthermore, integration of an electrochemical device into a PCB may addmore functionality to the PCB and may render the PCB more valuable as abasic power-equipped electronic building block for many electronicapplications.

In certain exemplary embodiments of the present invention, one can savespace on the PCB surface by inserting electronic modules and components,such as electrochemical cells, including thin-film batteries, into aprinted circuit board instead of, for example, on the surface of a PCBas disclosed, for example, in U.S. patent application Ser. No.11/748,471.

One may also consider that using the PCB three-dimensionally, or inother words integrating an electrochemical device into a PCB instead ofattaching the electronic device to the surface of the PCB, increases thefunctional electronic density per unit footprint.

Inserting electronic modules and components into the PCB may also beadvantageous by, for example, limiting the total cross-sectionalthickness of the functionalized or loaded PCBs. Limiting the thicknessof the PCBs may be preferred, for example, for geometrical reasons,because some applications of integrated PCBs have limited volume andthickness. Limiting the thickness of the PCBs may also be preferred formechanical reasons, for example, to reduce the momentum of a mechanicalbody in conjunction with vibration, centrifugal forces and acceleration,among others and instead place the given mass of that body closer to itscenter of gravity. For example, lengthy capacitors (that have a longheight axis in comparison to their diameter because, for example, oftheir long terminal feet) mounted onto PCBs may be sensitive tolong-term vibration that may cause the capacitors to be electricallydisconnected from the PCB.

Inserting an electronic component into, rather than onto, a PCB mayincrease the robustness of this electronic component against externalchemical, physical and biological factors. For example, the PCBsurrounding an electronic component may serve as an added encapsulationor protection layer against high humidity, moisture, water, oxygen,corrosion by acids and bases, solvents, UV radiation, temporary extreme(high or low) temperatures, scratching objects, mechanical shock andmicro-organism attack.

Additionally, providing an electrochemical cell or thin-film battery toconnect to an electronic circuit already inserted into a PCB maysimplify the production of this type of electronic component and preventhuman error in attaching or soldering electronic components to PCBs.Therefore, a PCB with integrated electrochemical cell or thin-filmbattery may be used as a basic, power source equipped building block forelectronic circuitry that simplifies and compacts consumer andmini/micro-electronics.

The goal of certain exemplary embodiments of the present invention, forexample, is to avoid limiting the lateral extension of theelectrochemical cell embedded in a PCB to only a sub-region of the PCBsurface. Instead the cell may, for example, extend beyond the edges ofthe PCB as shown in the drawings. This extension may, for example,provide easy access to a contact or contact region of the cell.

Another goal of certain exemplary embodiments of the present inventionis to embed a cell into a PCB with, for example, at least oneelectrically conducting layer above or below the cell, as opposed tousing a PCB with all electrically insulating layers, as shown in certainexemplary figures. An embodiment, for example, that includes a batterywith a metal substrate terminal and metal encapsulation terminal may bepreferred over a design that includes insulating layers above and belowan energy cell, such as a thin film battery.

Another goal of certain exemplary embodiments of the present inventionis to avoid the need to fill in any potential gaps around the embeddedcell and instead, for example, allow void space in that region. Thisvoid may, for example, allow access or contact with the cell or certainportions of the cell.

Yet another goal of certain exemplary embodiments of the presentinvention is to avoid requiring a printed circuit board structure usingmultiple electrically insulating layers to embed the cell. Instead, forexample, the cell may be embedded in a single-layer printed circuitboard. This embodiment may be preferred because, for example, it may besimplified and thinner than other embodiments.

There are many benefits to, for example inserting a cell or thin-filmbattery into a PCB. First, there are architectural benefits that protectthe cell against certain chemical, physical and biological impactfactors. Second, such a technique may be more cost-effective thanproviding the PCB and the electrochemical cell or thin-film battery asseparate items wherein a customer in the product fabrication orintegration chain would be able to attach the electrochemical cell orthin-film battery only at the surface of the PCB.

An exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a printedcircuit board comprising a layer stack having two electricallyinsulating layers comprising conductor traces, wherein each of saidelectrically insulating layers having a perimeter and an electrochemicalcell inserted between said layers wherein a portion of saidelectrochemical cell extends laterally beyond the perimeter of one ofsaid insulating layers.

Another exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a printedcircuit board comprising a layer stack having two electricallyinsulating layers including conductor traces and an electricallyconducting layer and an electrochemical cell inserted in said layerstack wherein said electrochemical cell is embedded between saidelectrically conducting layer and electrically insulating layers of saidlayer stack.

Another exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a printedcircuit board comprising a layer stack having a plurality of, forexample two, electrically insulating layers including conductor traces,a plurality of, for example two, electrically conducting layers and anelectrochemical cell inserted in said layer stack wherein saidelectrochemical cell is embedded between said electrically conductinglayers.

Another exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a printedcircuit board comprising a layer stack having a plurality of, forexample two, electrically insulating layers including conductor traces,an electrochemical cell inserted in said layer stack and a gap locatedat an edge of said electrochemical cell.

Another exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a printedcircuit hoard comprising one electrically insulating layer includingconductor traces and an electrochemical cell located within the interiorof said electrically insulating layer.

Another exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a batteryfabricated between the layers of, for example, a PCB. The battery may,for example, include a first electrical contact, a bonding layer coupledwith the first electrical contact and a first embedded conductor, atleast one battery cell structure in selective electrical contact withthe first electrical contact via the first embedded conductor, which maybe formed or disposed within a PCB.

The bonding layer coupled with the PCB may have more than one conductor,such as an optional, second embedded conductor, which in turn creates anoptional, selective electrical contact of the PCB with said firstelectrical contact. The bonding layer and the at least one battery cellstructure may be sandwiched within a PCB.

The first electrical contact may include, for example, an encapsulatemetal. The bonding layer may be an adhesive material, an insulatingmaterial, a plastic, a polymeric material, glass and/or fiberglass. Aninsulating reinforcement layer may be embedded within the bonding layer.Such a reinforcement layer may be selectively conductive. The conductormay be, for example, a tab, a wire, a metal strip, a metal ribbon,multiple wires, multiple metal strips, multiple metal ribbons, a wiremesh, perforated metal, a metal coating applied to the adhesive layer ora disk. The conductor may be woven within the bonding layer and thebonding layer may include a slit within which the embedded conductor iswoven.

The battery cell structure may include an anode, an electrolyte, acathode and a barrier layer. The cathode may, for example, not beannealed at all, annealed at lower temperatures or annealed at highertemperatures by using convection furnaces, rapid thermal anneal methodsor by a laser annealing and/or crystallization process.

Another exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a methodof manufacturing a thin film battery comprising, in no particular order,the steps of creating a selectively conductive bonding layer, couplingthe bonding layer with a first contact layer, coupling a first side of abattery cell structure within a pocket formed in, for example, a PCB,and coupling the battery cell structure with the PCB. Optionally, thebonding layer may be made selectively conductive at an additionallocation at which the selectively conductive bonding layer creates anelectrical contact between the first contact layer and the PCB. Yetanother exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a methodof manufacturing a thin film battery comprising, in no particular order,the steps of creating a selectively conductive bonding layer, couplingthe bonding layer with a first contact layer, coupling a first side of abattery cell with the first contact layer as well, coupling the bondinglayer with an interior surface within a PCB, and coupling a second sideof the battery cell structure with the bonding layer.

Examples of this exemplary embodiment may include creating a batterycell structure with anode, cathode and electrolyte layers, embedding atleast one conductor within the bonding layer, weaving at least oneconductive wire through the bonding layer wherein selective portions ofthe conductive wire are exposed, heating the bonding layer andcompressing the conductor within the bonding layer, and insulating thebattery with an insulating material. This exemplary embodiment mayinclude providing an insulating reinforcement layer embedded within thebonding layer. The reinforcement layer may be selectively conductive.

Yet another exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes abattery within, for example, a PCB wherein the first side of the batterycell structure is at least in direct mechanical contact with an interiorsurface of the PCB. This exemplary embodiment includes a firstelectrical contact, a bonding layer coupled with a first electricalcontact and a first embedded conductor, at least one battery cellstructure in selective electrical contact with the first electricalcontact via the first embedded conductor, the bonding layer coupled withthe first electrical contact and comprising a second embedded conductorthat is in selective electrical contact with the first electricalcontact and the printed circuit board. The bonding layer and the atleast one battery cell structure are sandwiched between the firstcontact layer and within a PCB.

Another exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a batterywithin, for example, a PCB wherein the battery cell structure ismechanically separated by at least the bonding layer (and not in directmechanical contact with the interior PCB surfaces). The exemplaryembodiment includes a first electrical contact, a bonding layer coupledwith the first electrical contact and a first embedded conductor, atleast one battery cell structure in selective electrical contact withthe first electrical contact via said first embedded conductor, thebonding layer coupled with the PCB and having an optional, secondembedded conductor in the bonding layer, which in turn creates anoptional, selective electrical contact of the PCB with the firstelectrical contact. The bonding layer and the at least one battery cellstructure are sandwiched between the first contact layer and an interiorsurface of a PCB.

In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a method ofmanufacturing a thin film battery includes creating a selectivelyconductive bonding layer, coupling the bonding layer with a firstcontact layer, coupling a first side of a battery cell structure with aninterior surface of a layer of for example, a PCB and coupling a secondside of the battery cell stricture with the bonding layer.

In yet another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a methodof manufacturing a thin film battery includes creating a selectivelyconductive bonding layer, coupling the bonding layer with a firstcontact layer, coupling a first side of a battery cell structure withthe first contact layer, coupling a second side of the battery cellstructure with the selectively conductive bonding layer and coupling thebonding layer within the layers of, for example, a PCB.

Another exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes anelectrical connection between the battery cell and the PCB. Theelectrical connection between the battery cell and the interior surfacesof layers within, for example, a PCB can be made by direct physicalcontact or by wire bonding.

In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, prior to itsintegration within the PCB or conductive or insulating surface within aPCB, the battery may be fabricated as a discrete device and thenintegrated as a whole together with its substrate and its encapsulationinside of the semiconducting device.

Another embodiment of the present invention includes the electricalconnection between a multi-battery cell stack within the PCB through theinterior of the PCB to the surface of the PCB.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1A shows a top down view of an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention including an electrochemical cell that is embedded in a PCBwith an edge of the cell extending beyond the edge of the PCB.

FIG. 1B shows an expanded side cross-sectional view of a portion of anexemplary embodiment of the present invention including anelectrochemical cell that is embedded in a PCB with an edge of the cellextending beyond the edge of a PCB.

FIG. 1C shows an expanded side cross-sectional view of a portion of anexemplary embodiment of the present invention including anelectrochemical cell that is embedded in a PCB with a portion of the PCBremoved to form a gap or space.

FIG. 1D shows an expanded side cross-sectional view of a portion of anexemplary embodiment of the present invention including anelectrochemical cell that is embedded in a PCB with a portion of the PCBremoved to expose a portion of the cell.

FIG. 2 depicts a side cross-sectional view of an embodiment of thepresent invention including a three layer PCB including anelectrochemical cell with a pocket on both sides of the embeddedelectrochemical cell.

FIG. 3 depicts a side cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment ofthe present invention including a multi-layer PCB including an embeddedelectrochemical cell with a pocket on both sides of the embeddedelectrochemical cell.

FIG. 4 shows a side cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment ofthe present invention including a conducting layer between theelectrochemical cell and either the top of bottom insulating layer ofthe PCB.

FIG. 5A shows a side cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment ofthe present invention including an electrochemical cell withelectrically conducting layers on the top and the bottom of the cell andin contact with the insulating layers of the PCB.

FIG. 5B shows a side cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment ofthe present invention including an electrochemical cell with anelectrically conducting layer split into two portions, one portion onthe bottom of the cell and the second portion electrically connected tothe electrochemical cell by wire bonding.

FIG. 5C shows a side cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment ofthe present invention including an electrochemical cell with anelectrically conducting layer split into two portions on the bottom ofthe cell, one portion in contact with the cell and the second portionphysically insulated from the cell but electrically connected to theelectrochemical cell by wire bonding.

FIG. 6A shows a top down view of an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention including a PCB and an embedded electrochemical cell.

FIG. 6B shows an expanded side cross-sectional view of a portion of anexemplary embodiment of the present invention including a PCB with anembedded electrochemical cell that extends beyond an edge of the PCB.

FIG. 6C shows an expanded side cross-sectional view of a portion of anexemplary embodiment of the present invention including a PCB with anembedded electrochemical cell that is flush with an edge of the PCB.

FIG. 6D depicts a side expanded cross-sectional view of a portion of anexemplary embodiment of the present invention including a PCB and anembedded electrochemical cell with a portion of the PCB removed toexpose a portion of the cell.

FIG. 7A shows a top down view of an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention including a PCB and an embedded electrochemical cell and aconducting layer between the electrochemical cell and the PCB.

FIG. 7B shows an expanded side cross-sectional view of a portion of anexemplary embodiment of the present invention including a PCB and anembedded electrochemical cell and a conductor on the PCB with an edge ofthe cell extending beyond the edge of a PCB.

FIG. 7C shows an expanded side cross-sectional view of a portion of anexemplary embodiment of the present invention including a PCB and anembedded electrochemical cell and a conducting layer between theelectrochemical cell and the PCB with a portion of the PCB removed toform a gap or space.

FIG. 7D depicts a side expanded cross-sectional view of a portion of anexemplary embodiment of the present invention including a PCB and anembedded electrochemical cell and a conducting layer between theelectrochemical cell and the PCB with a portion of the PCB removed toexpose a portion of the cell.

FIG. 8A provides a cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment ofthe present invention including a PCB and an electrochemical cell and aportion of the cell is embedded within the PCB and a portion of the cellis externally accessible.

FIG. 8B provides a cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment ofthe present invention including an electrochemical cell wholly embeddedwithin a PCB.

FIG. 8C provides a cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment ofthe present invention including a PCB with an electrochemical cellexternally accessible from more than one side of the PCB.

FIGS. 8D, 8E, 8F, 8G, 8H, 8I, 8J and 8K provide exemplary embodiments ofthe present invention with an electrochemical cell embedded in a PCB.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention is not limited to the particular methodology,compounds, materials, manufacturing techniques, uses, and applicationsdescribed herein, as these may vary. The terminology used herein is usedfor the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is notintended to limit the scope of the present invention. The singular forms“a,” “an,” and “the” include the plural reference unless the contextclearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, a reference to “anelement” is a reference to one or more elements and includes equivalentsthereof known to those skilled in the art. Similarly, for anotherexample, a reference to “a step” or “a means” is a reference to one ormore steps or means and may include sub-steps and subservient means. Allconjunctions used are to be understood in the most inclusive sensepossible. Thus, the word “or” should be understood as having thedefinition of a logical “or” rather than that of a logical “exclusiveor” unless the context clearly necessitates otherwise. Structuresdescribed are to be understood also to refer to functional equivalentsof such structures. Language that may be construed to expressapproximation should be so understood unless the context clearlydictates otherwise.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used hereinhave the same meanings as commonly understood by one of ordinary skillin the art to which this invention belongs. Preferred methods,techniques, devices, and materials are described, although any methods,techniques, devices, or materials similar or equivalent to thosedescribed herein may be used in the practice or testing of the presentinvention. Structures described herein are to be understood also torefer to functional equivalents of such structures.

All patents and other publications identified are incorporated herein byreference for the purpose of describing and disclosing, for example, themethodologies described in such publications that might be used inconnection with the present invention. These publications are providedsolely for their disclosure prior to the filing date of the presentapplication. Nothing in this regard should be construed as an admissionthat the inventors are not entitled to antedate such disclosure byvirtue of prior invention or for any other reason.

FIGS. 1A, 1B, 1C and 1D show various alternative exemplary embodimentsof the present invention, device 100. FIG. 1A shows a top down view ofexemplary device 100 including an electrochemical cell 102 embedded inprinted circuit board (PCB) 101 with an edge of cell 102 extendingbeyond the edge of PCB 101. PCB 101 or other exemplary embodiments ofthe present invention may include a stack of multiple, for example two,three, four, five, six, seven, eight or more, layers. For example, asshown in FIG. 1A, PCB 101 includes two layers. Electrochemical cell 102may also have multiple layers. For example, as shown in FIG. 1A,electrochemical cell 102 includes two layers, top layer 102 a and bottomlayer 102 b. Top layer 102 a may be, for example, the positive terminalof electrochemical cell 102 and bottom layer 102 b may be, for example,the negative terminal of electrochemical cell 102. In another exemplaryembodiment of the present invention, top layer 102 a may be, forexample, the negative terminal of electrochemical cell 102 and bottomlayer 102 b may be, for example, the positive terminal ofelectrochemical cell 102. FIG. 1B shows an expanded side view of device100 including cell 102 extending beyond the edge of PCB 101. PCB 101 maybe constructed, at least in part, from flame retardant 4 (FR4) or otherPCB layer materials known in the art, such as, for example,polytetrafluoroethylene, FR-1, CEM-1 (cotton paper and epoxy), CEM-2(cotton paper and epoxy), CEM-3 (woven glass and epoxy), CEM-4 (wovenglass and epoxy), CEM-5 (woven glass and polyester), FR-2 (phenoliccotton paper), FR-3 (cotton paper and epoxy), FR-5 (woven glass andepoxy), FR-6 (matte glass and polyester), G-10 (woven glass and epoxy)and/or polyimide such as, for example, Kapton®. PCB 101 may includeconducting traces 103 on one or both outer surfaces of the PCB.Conducting traces 103 may be constructed of, for example, Cu foil.Conducting traces 103 may be included on a surface mount, such as asingle surface mount, as shown in FIG. 1A. FIG. 1C shows anotherexemplary expanded side view of device 100 including a portion of PCB101 removed to form a gap 114 in PCB 101. FIG. 1D shows an expanded viewof device 100 including PCB 101 with a portion removed to expose aportion of cell 102. FIGS. 1B, 1C and 1D also show electrochemical cell102 with multiple, for example two, layers. However, exemplaryembodiments of the present invention may also include an electrochemicalcell with more than two, for example three, four, five, six, seven,eight or more, layers. Furthermore, exemplary embodiments shown in FIGS.1A, 1B, 1C and 1D may also include multiple, for example two, three,four, five, six, seven, eight or more, electrochemical cells.

FIG. 2 shows device 200, a side cross-sectional view of an exemplaryembodiment of the present invention, including a three-layer PCB 101with pockets 206. Pockets 206 have gaps of space on the sides ofelectrochemical cell 102 that may be embedded in insulating FR4 layers.Pockets 206 may be on one or more sides of embedded electrochemical cell102. PCB 101 may include traces and/or components on one or both outersides of PCB 101. Spacers 205 make up a portion of PCB 101 and connectthe top layer of PCB 101 to the bottom layer of PCB 101. Spacers 205 mayfurther define and/or provide support and stability to device 200.Pockets 206 may, for example, reduce stresses within the assembly,provide a buffer region, provide a place for other components or designfeatures and/or provide capacity for thermal controls.

FIG. 3 shows an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includingalternate PCB 101 and pocket 206 structures. PCB 101 may include twolayers, which are wrapped around electrochemical cell 102. Therefore,the inside of the two layers of PCB 101 have a curved structure, causingpockets 206 to include a similarly curved exterior shape. Furthermore,as shown in FIG. 3, electrochemical cell 102 may be thinner than a layerof PCB 101 or thinner than the combination of multiple layers of PCB101. However, according to alternate exemplary embodiments of thepresent invention, electrochemical cell 102 may be thicker than a layerof PCB 101, thicker than the combination of multiple, for example two,three, four, five, six, seven, eight or more, layers of PCB 101 or aboutthe same thickness as one or multiple layers of PCB 101.

FIG. 4 shows device 400, an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention that includes, for example, a conductive surface with aconductive contact pad, a conductive line, a conductive via or anotherconductive layer. A conductive surface also may be formed together withan insulating surface, such as a PCB, where the conductive surface maybe formed on an inner layer of the PCB. FIG. 4 shows, for example,embedded conductor 407 embedded within or on an interior insulating FR4layer. Embedded conductor 407 may be externally accessible at the edgeof PCB 101. Embedded conductor 407 may not extend all the way to theedge of PCB 101 and therefore function, for example, as a PCB internalelectrical interconnect. Embedded conductor 407 may function, forexample, as a selectively conductive bonding layer. A selectivelyconductive bonding layer may, for example, permit conduction from cell102 through the bonding layer to a cell contact or to one or more tracesat specific points (not shown). A selectively conductive bonding layermay also provide insulation between a cell contact and PCB 101. Othertypes of battery cell structures may also be used. Electrochemical cell102 may take several forms. For example, cells may not be completelypackaged, and may be similar to cells described in FIG. 1 and/or FIG. 3of U.S. Patent Publication No. 2007/264564 (incorporated herein, in itsentirety, by reference), or cells that are fully packaged, and may besimilar, for example, to the cell described in FIG. 20 of U.S. PatentPublication No. 2008/261107 (incorporated herein, in its entirety, byreference).

FIGS. 5A, 5B and 5C show various alternative exemplary embodiments ofthe present invention, device 500. FIG. 5A shows an example embodimentof the present invention that includes an electrochemical cell 102 witha second embedded conductor 508 that selectively creates an electricalcontact between a first or second contact (not shown) and PCB 101. Theconductive or insulating surface of PCB 101 may be selectivelyinsulating between the contact points at which first embedded conductor407 and second embedded conductor 508 meet PCB 101. Embedded conductors407 and 508 may be externally accessible at the edges of PCB 101.Alternatively, embedded conductors 407 and 508 may not extend to theedges of PCB 101 and instead serve as PCB internal electricalinterconnects. Exemplary embodiments of the present invention may alsoinclude more than two, for example three, four, five, six, seven, eightor more, embedded conductors.

FIGS. 5B and 5C show example embodiments of the present invention thatinclude embedded conductor 508 and a second conductor in the form ofmicro wire bonding 509. FIG. 508B shows embedded conductor 508 splitinto two portions, conductor portions 508 a and 508 b. Conductor portion508 b is coupled with and electrically connected to electrochemical cell102 and conductor portion 508 a may be physically separated fromelectrochemical cell 102. Conductor portion 508 a is selectivelyelectrically connected to electrochemical cell 102 via wire bonding 509.However, conductor portion 508 a may be electrically connected toelectrochemical cell 102 via other methods, such as, for example,various other various metal conductors. FIG. 5C shows embedded conductor508 split into portions 508 a and 508 b and conductor portion 508 aextends, unlike in FIG. 5B, below electrochemical cell 102. Conductorportion 508 a is physically separated from electrochemical cell 102 byinsulator 510.

According to certain embodiments of the present invention, firstembedded conductor 407 and second embedded conductor 508 may be, forexample, placed within bonding layers in many different ways. Forexample, embedded conductors may consist of different materials such asa metal tab, a metal wire, a metal strip, a metal ribbon, multiple metalwires, multiple metal strips, multiple metal ribbons, a metal wire mesh,perforated metal foil, perforated metal, a metal coating applied to theadhesive layer, a metallic disk, a metallically coated fiberglass orcombinations thereof may be used. First embedded conductor 407 andsecond embedded conductor 508 may provide electrical conduction betweencell 102 and a cell contact. A bonding layer may provide insulationbetween the electrical contact and PCB 101. Embedded conductors 407 and508 may be woven or placed within the bonding layer through slits, holesor other means. Embedded conductors 407 and 508 may be, for example,disks embedded within the bonding layer.

In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, areinforcement layer may be placed within the bonding layer. For example,a fiberglass material may cover half of one surface of the bondinglayer, may be woven through the bonding layer and/or may cover the otherhalf of the bonding layer. Such a layer of fiberglass without aconductive coating would insulate the electrochemical device and othermaterials. The fiberglass may be coated in a localized area with aconductive material. Such conductive coatings can coat the fiberglassarea on the top and bottom surface of the bonding layer. The fiberglassmay conduct between the upper contact and the cell. Conductive materialmay be disposed on the fiberglass using ink jet, silk screen, plasmadeposition, e-beam deposition, spray and/or brush methods. Thereinforcement layer may include materials other than fiberglass, suchas, for example, Kevlar®, plastic or glass.

In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the electricalcontact may have selective contact with the battery cell structurethrough holes in the bonding layer. The bonding layer and the batterycell structure may be, for example, pressed together to create acontact. Alternatively, the layers may make contact with one another byapplying, for example, conductive glues or inks, solder, welding,wirebond, anisotropic conductive film or lithium in or near the hole inthe bonding layer.

Embedded conductors 407 and 508 and/or the electrical contact mayconsist of, for example, gold, platinum, stainless steel, titanium,vanadium, chromium, manganese, iron, cobalt, nickel, copper zirconium,niobium, molybdenum, hafnium, tantalum, tungsten, aluminum, indium, tin,silver, carbon, bronze, brass, beryllium, or oxides, nitrides, carbides,and alloys thereof. The electrical contact may consist of a metal foil,stainless steel or any other metallic substance that has a requisiteamount of conductivity. The metal foil may comprise a solderable alloysuch as copper, nickel or tin. The electrical contact may be, forexample, less than 100 microns thick, less than 50 microns thick or lessthan 25 microns thick.

Electrochemical cell 102 shown in exemplary embodiments of the presentinvention may include a cathode, an anode and an electrolyte. Forexample, the cathode may comprise LiCoO₂, the anode may comprise Lithiumand the electrolyte may comprise LIPON. Other electrochemical devicesmay be used as needed.

Electrochemical cell 102 may be coupled with the interior layers orsurfaces of PCB 101 in a number of ways. In an exemplary embodiment ofthe present invention, electrochemical cell 102, for example, may becoupled with the interior layers of PCB 101 using, for example, glue,solder, welding, wirebond or anisotropic conductive film. Glue may beany material that may adhere electrochemical cell 102 to PCB 101, suchas cement glue or resin glue. Glue may create a mechanical and/or achemical bond between electrochemical cell 102 to PCB 101. Glue may alsoinclude chemically bonding electrochemical cell 102 to PCB 101 withoutintroducing another material or layer. Glue may be electricallyconducting, semi-conducting or insulating.

In certain exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the interiorlayers of a PCB, including the conductive or insulating interior layersurface of PCB 101, act as a substrate for the electrochemical cell.Electrochemical cell 102 may be deposited or otherwise positioned on thelayer surface of PCB 101. Electrochemical cell 102 may also be coupledto the interior layer surface of PCB 101 using, for example, glue,solder, welding, wirebond or anisotropic conductive film.

In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a LiCoO₂ cathodelayer may be deposited on the interior layer of, for example, PCB 101.Deposition techniques known in the art include, but are not limited to,reactive or non-reactive RF magnetron sputtering, reactive ornon-reactive pulsed DC magnetron sputtering, reactive or non-reactive DCdiode sputtering, reactive or non-reactive thermal (resistive)evaporation, reactive or non-reactive electron beam evaporation,ion-beam assisted deposition, plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition,spin coating, ink-jetting, thermal spray deposition and dip coating. Aspart of the fabrication process, for example, the cathode may beannealed using a thermal anneal at low temperatures (e.g. <400° C.),thermal anneal at high temperatures (e.g. >400° C.), rapid thermalanneal or by using convection furnaces. Another or an alternativepost-deposition anneal may include laser annealing to improve thecrystallization of the LiCoO₂ layer to fine-tune and optimize itschemical properties, such as its electrochemical potential, energy,power performance and reversible lattice parameters on electrochemicaland thermal cycling.

Following deposition of the cathode layer, an electrolyte may bedeposited on the cathode, followed by an anode, using any of manyprocesses known to someone of ordinary skill in the art. A metalencapsulate layer may be formed on the electrochemical cell itselfinstead of using embedded conductor 407 and/or embedded conductor 508 asshown, for example, in FIG. 5. The metal encapsulate layer may be madeof a metal foil, stainless steel or any other metallic substance with arequisite amount of conductivity. The metal foil may comprise asolderable alloy such as, for example, alloys of copper, nickel or tin.

FIGS. 6A, 6B, 6C and 6D show various alternative exemplary embodimentsof the present invention, device 600. Device 600 includes an exampleembodiment of the present invention that includes electrochemical cell102 embedded on PCB 101. FIG. 6B, for example, shows electrochemicalcell 102 extending beyond an edge of PCB 101. FIG. 6C shows the toplayer of electrochemical cell 102 flush with an edges of PCB 101.Furthermore, unlike, for example, device 100, an embodiment may notinclude a PCB layer over an electrochemical cell, for example, amicro-energy cell (MEC). Certain exemplary embodiments may include anopen PCB or extended openings in a layer of the PCB. FIG. 6D, forexample, shows a space in the PCB so that a portion or the entiresurface of the PCB is exposed.

FIGS. 7A-7D show various alternative exemplary embodiments of thepresent invention, device 700. Device 700 includes conductor 508 on PCBlayer 101 with an embedded MEC. PCB 101 may include traces andcomponents on one or both of its sides. These exemplary embodiments mayalso include, for example, open PCB structures as shown in FIGS. 6A-6D.

FIGS. 8A-8K show various alternative exemplary embodiments of thepresent invention, device 800. FIG. 8A is a cross-sectional view andshows electrochemical cell 102 placed so that a portion of cell 102 isembedded within PCB 101 and a portion of cell 102 is externallyaccessible. FIG. 8B is a cross-sectional view and shows electrochemicalcell 102 wholly embedded within PCB 101. FIG. 8C is a cross-sectionalview and shows electrochemical cell 102 externally accessible from morethan one side of PCB 101. Electrochemical cell 102 may, for example,extend from the PCB on three or four sides. FIG. 8D is a cross-sectionalview and shows PCB 101 with an open structure such that electrochemicalcell 102 may be externally accessible from the top of PCB 101 throughPCB opening 815. FIG. 8E is a cross-sectional view and shows thatopening 815 of PCB 101 may be less wide than the width ofelectrochemical cell 102. PCB 101 extends over portions of the ends ofcell 102 such that cell 102 is partially embedded within the ends of PCB101. FIG. 8F is a cross-sectional view and shows that opening 815 of PCB101 may be wider than the width of electrochemical cell 102.Electrochemical cell 102 may be placed within opening 815 in PCB 101such that the ends of cell 102 do not contact PCB 101, creating gaps 816between cell 102 and PCB 101. Electrochemical cell 102 and PCB 101 maybe connected in various alternative configurations, examples of whichare shown in FIGS. 8G-8K and which are in plain view format.

Exposed surfaces of portions of an embedded cell, as in variousexemplary embodiments of the present invention, which otherwise mayprovide an access port or peep hole, may be filled in and/or coveredwith insulating material or with conductive material that issubsequently covered with insulating material or an insulating layer.The hole or void may be covered or filled to reduce or eliminate directexternal access to the cell.

Electrochemical devices other than those shown in the various exemplaryembodiments of the present invention shown in FIGS. 1A-8K may be used asneeded. Electrochemical devices may also include, for example, anencapsulate that may comprise a ceramic-metal composite laminate, whichmay include a multiple of alternating layers of Zirconium Nitride andZirconium or Titanium Nitride and Titanium.

Examples of methods used to deposit LiCoO₂ are disclosed in U.S. PatentPublication No. 2007/0125638, which is incorporated herein by referencein its entirety.

The layers of PCBs in various exemplary embodiments of the presentinvention, including the conductive or insulating surfaces of the PCBs,may be part of any integrated circuit that may include memory devices,processors or other logic circuits.

PCBs in various exemplary embodiments of the present invention mayinclude a flexible circuit board which may include, for example,multiple circuit board layers. The multiple circuit board layers mayinclude or not include traces, single or double sided, semi-rigid, afilm and/or a polyimide film, such as, for example, Kapton®.

In certain embodiments of the present invention, the layers of PCBs invarious exemplary embodiments of the present invention may act as anencapsulate for the electrochemical cell such as, for example, a thinfilm battery.

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention may also include multipleelectrochemical devices stacked upon each other, multiple PCBs stackedupon each other and/or multiple layers within a PCB having eitherconductive or insulating surfaces or layers.

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention may also include multipleelectrochemical devices stacked upon electrical contacts.

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention provide alternativemethods to encapsulate the chemically and mechanically sensitive layersof electrochemical devices. Exemplary embodiments of the presentinvention also avoid problems related to temperature changes causing thegas within the metal and plastic pouches encapsulating theelectrochemical device to expand and/or contract and the seals of themetal and plastic pouches from blowing out.

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention also provide arechargeable secondary battery directly fabricated within one or morePCBs. Such batteries provide power during times when the circuit ispowered off and are quickly and easily recharged when power resumes.Critical circuitry may benefit from localized power provided by suchbatteries. The exemplary embodiments also provide for less expensive andmore reliable encapsulation and better approaches to providingelectrically conductive contacts, including encapsulation that issubstantially thinner than known encapsulation methods. The exemplaryembodiments also provide flexible integrated circuits and/or flexibleprinted circuit boards with thin film flexible batteries coupledthereon.

The electrochemical device may comprise a discrete device (e.g., fullypackaged with its own substrate and own encapsulation) in a PCB. Forexample, prior to its integration into the PCB, the electrochemicaldevice may be fabricated as a discrete device, and then integrated intothe PCB with its substrate and encapsulation as a whole.

Embodiments of the present invention described herein are exemplaryonly. One skilled in the art may recognize variations from theembodiments specifically described herein, which are intended to bewithin the scope of this disclosure. As such, the invention is limitedonly by the following claims. The present invention covers suchvariations provided that they come within the scope of the appendedclaims and their equivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. A printed circuit board comprising: a layer stackhaving two electrically insulating layers, at least one of said twoelectrically insulating layers comprising conductor traces; and anelectrically conducting layer and an electrochemical cell inserted insaid layer stack between said two electrically insulating layers whereinsaid electrochemical cell is embedded between said electricallyconducting layer and one of said two electrically insulating layers ofsaid layer stack.
 2. The printed circuit board of claim 1 wherein saidelectrochemical cell extends laterally beyond the perimeter of one ofsaid electrically insulating layers.
 3. The printed circuit board ofclaim 1, the electrochemical cell having a top layer and a bottom layer,wherein the top layer and the bottom layer are two terminals and saidelectrochemical cell extends laterally beyond the perimeter of one ofsaid electrically insulating layers to provide direct and externalelectrical access to one of said terminals.
 4. The printed circuit boardof claim 1, the electrochemical cell having a top layer and a bottomlayer, wherein each of said electrically insulating layers has andoutside edge that comprises a perimeter; and wherein the top layer andthe bottom layer of said electrochemical cell extend laterally beyondthe perimeter of one of said insulating layers.
 5. The printed circuitboard of claim 1, further comprising an electrical contact in electricalconnection with said electrochemical cell, said electrical contact beingexternally accessible through an access port.
 6. The printed circuitboard of claim 5 wherein said electrical contact comprises one of theconducting layer or the traces.
 7. The printed circuit board of claim 5wherein said electrochemical cell comprises a terminal and wherein saidelectrical contact electrically connects with said terminal and saidterminal is not externally accessible through said access port.
 8. Theprinted circuit board of claim 7 wherein said terminal comprises a toplayer or a bottom layer of the cell.
 9. The printed circuit board ofclaim 7 further comprising conductor material within said access portand further comprising a cap of insulating material over said accessport.
 10. A printed circuit board comprising: a layer stack having twoelectrically insulating layers, at least one of said two electricallyinsulating layers comprising conductor traces; two electricallyconducting layers inserted in said layer stack between said twoelectrically insulating layers; and an electrochemical cell inserted insaid layer stack wherein said electrochemical cell is embedded betweensaid two electrically conducting layers.
 11. The printed circuit boardof claim 10, further comprising an electrical contact in electricalconnection with said electrochemical cell, said electrical contact beingexternally accessible through an access port.
 12. The printed circuitboard of claim 11 wherein said electrical contact comprises one of theconducting layer or the traces.
 13. The printed circuit board of claim11 wherein said electrochemical cell comprises a terminal and whereinsaid electrical contact electrically connects with said terminal andsaid terminal is not externally accessible through said access port. 14.The printed circuit board of claim 13 wherein said terminal comprises atop layer or a bottom layer of the cell.
 15. The printed circuit boardof claim 11 further comprising conductor material within said accessport and further comprising a cap of insulating material over saidaccess port.
 16. A printed circuit board comprising: a layer stackhaving two electrically insulating layers, at least one of said twoelectrically insulating layers comprising conductor traces; anelectrochemical cell inserted in said layer stack between said twoelectrically insulating layers; a spacer between the two electricallyinsulating layers; and a gap of space located at an edge of saidelectrochemical cell, the gap of space defined between the spacer, saidelectrochemical cell and one of the two electrically insulating layers.17. The printed circuit board of claim 16, further comprising anelectrical contact in electrical connection with said electrochemicalcell, said electrical contact being externally accessible through anaccess port.
 18. The printed circuit board of claim 17 wherein saidelectrical contact comprises one of the conducting layer or the traces.19. The printed circuit board of claim 17 wherein said electrochemicalcell comprises a terminal and wherein said electrical contactelectrically connects with said terminal and said terminal is notexternally accessible through said access port.
 20. The printed circuitboard of claim 19 wherein said terminal comprises a top layer or abottom layer of the cell.